Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
When I think about the root cause of so many mistakes and spiritual pitfalls in my life, the source seems to be the one and only, the ugly…fear. Fear will cause us to buckle and settle for less than God’s best. It’ll cause us to disobey after diluting our trust in Him, and even when do stay strong, it’ll rob us of our peace and joy. Here are some of the best scriptures helping us overcome fear by increasing our faith.
Especially in these difficult pandemic and local violence there is a lot to cause us to fear…. Physical health, loss of employment, loss of business and the list goes on. God actually commands us not to fear, or worry. The phrase “fear not” is used 365 times in the Bible, most likely because God knows the enemy uses fear to decrease our hope and limit our victories.
1. Deuteronomy 31:8 “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
When you’re fearing a situation or emotional challenge, really envision God saying this, just to you. He’s on your side. No matter who leaves after promising forever. When friends, family members or co-workers disappoint you, He’ll never turn on you. I am here. You will be okay. I’m all you need, and you’re never going to be alone.
2. Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
So much fear is based on the wrong assumption than when we’ve made a mess of a situation, it’s too late for God’s help. God has not only forgiven me after some blatantly unwise, selfish choices, but He’s been quick to open doors, answer prayers and pour out more blessings than I could ever deserve. He’ll turn your situation around for good, simply because He has a wonderful purpose for your life, which no amount of blunders can hinder.
3. Isaiah 43:1 “Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
God, who created the universe, cares about every detail of our lives. We belong to an all-powerful, all-knowing, victorious Father who cares deeply about us. When we really meditate on this truth, it’s hard to remain fearful about the trials we face. By focusing on Him, and how He considers us His prized, redeemed ones, our focus naturally shifts from fear to faith.
4. 1 John 4:18 “Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear”
God is love. Perfect love. And the closer we come to Him, the less power fear has over us, because we feel God’s continual presence – His strength, His comfort, and His guidance. When faced with even the deepest most crippling of fear, we need to trust God with the confidence a child ascribes to a loving parent.
5. Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.”
We weren’t saved and redeemed only to limp through life riddled with fear and anxiety. God can only be our rock if we let Him. Trust Him to deliver you from every fear coming against the truth not only in His ability, but His desire to deliver you.
Fear has no place in the heart or mind of a believer. Ask God to increase your trust and faith in His willingness and ability to deliver you completely from fear and anxiety. Ask for a deeper revelation of His love and watch how powerfully He moves.
***
SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831:
“I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests — and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning–and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution — and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness, did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!”
— o —
What’s the Purpose of Quiet Time? Ken Whitten
1. Proves Devotion
2. Provides Direction
3. Promotes Dependence
***
QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Refuse “stinkin” “thinkin”. Ken Whitten
Inventor Thomas A. Edison said, when asked why the experiment of electricity had failed, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Failure is success if we learn from it. Malcom Forbes
Satan is behind all sin. Preacherman Ken Weliever
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Richard Niebuhr
Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement. Mark Twain
The Bible was not given for our information, but for our transformation. D. L. Moody